Exercise Does Not Offset Affects of Binge Drinking

By Elements Behavioral Healthposted on December 18, 2009 in Alcoholism

Few people may recognize an association between binge drinking and regular exercise, but it turns out that one helps to compensate for the other. A recent news report on a site for Bulgaria shares the results of a new survey that more than 25 percent of drinkers exercise regularly to compensate for a spree of binge drinking.

This study involved a poll of 2,400 adults and found that one in five drank double the NHS recommended amount. In addition, experts warn that while exercising is good for the heart and to burn calories, it does not counter the effects of excessive drinking.

The survey – known as the UK Government’s Know Your Limits campaign – suggests that more than 3.8 million adults exercise simply to compensate for binge drinking. Those who were drinking double the recommended amount truly believed they could counter any negative affects by exercising or playing a sport.

To show a comparison, only 10 percent of those not exceeding NHS recommendations of 3 to 4-units of alcohol a day for men and 2 to 3-uits a day for women, actually exercised.

Industry research has found that men and women, who regularly drink 8-units and 6-units respectively, are 5-times more likely than non-drinkers to get mouth cancer and 3-times as likely to suffer a stroke.

Authorities have been trying to change the heavy boozing culture, but conflicting data from the media and the government helps to only increase the chaos and lead to further problems.

The results of this particular study are important and must be communicated to those partaking in such activities – not to thwart their exercise regimen, but instead their binge drinking activities.